System and method for animal identification

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a system and method for identifying an organism. At least one database includes electronic organism profile information representing at least one respective physical characteristic associated with a plurality of respective organisms, at least one respective corresponding attribute of the respective organisms, and an identity of at least one of the plurality of organisms, as well as owner information representing at least one person respectively associated with at least one of the organisms. Profile information that includes information representing physical characteristic(s) associated with the first organism associated with a first organism is received. In accordance with at least some electronic organism profile information and at least some of the first electronic profile information, an identity is identified. Thereafter, the at least one processor transmits to the first user computing device, the identity of the at least one of the plurality of respective organisms associated with the first organism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 61/794,379, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, andfurther claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.61/822,319, filed May 11, 2013, U.S. provisional patent application Ser.No. 61/822,943, filed May 14, 2013, U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 61/878,853, filed Sep. 17, 2013, and further is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.13/546,946, filed Jul. 11, 2012, which claims priority to U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/506,505, filed Jul. 11, 2011,and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/509,911, filed onJul. 20, 2011, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated byreference as if set forth herein in their respective entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates, generally, to networking and, moreparticularly, to a networked system and method for identifying animalsand communicating with people accordingly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various ways of identifying animals, such as nose prints, have beenprinted to paper with ink to allow for subsequent identification forvarious purposes. The physical ink prints of such features may bescanned for inclusion in a database.

In addition, radio frequency identification (“RFID”) technology may beused for identifying animals. For example, small RFID chips areimplanted in animals and may be scanned by a reader to identify theanimal. RFID is a costly method requiring implanted devices and trainedspecialists for the implantation and dedicated scanning equipment.Cumbersome data inputting needs are also required, from pet owner forms.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a system and method for identifying an organism. In one ormore implementations, at least one processor is configured to access atleast one database that includes electronic organism profile informationrepresenting at least one respective physical characteristic associatedwith a plurality of respective organisms, at least one respectivecorresponding attribute of the respective organisms, and an identity ofat least one of the plurality of organisms, as well as owner informationrepresenting at least one person respectively associated with at leastone of the organisms. First electronic profile information associatedwith a first organism is received from a first user computing device,wherein the first electronic profile information includes informationrepresenting at least one physical characteristic associated with thefirst organism. The at least one processor determines, in accordancewith at least some of the electronic organism profile information storedin the at least one database and at least some of the first electronicprofile information, an identity of at least one of the plurality ofrespective organisms associated with the first organism. Thereafter, theat least one processor transmits to the first user computing device, theidentity of the at least one of the plurality of respective organismsassociated with the first organism.

Other features and advantages of the present application will becomeapparent from the following description of the invention that refers tothe accompanying drawings

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS/FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an example hardware arrangement for viewing, reviewing andoutputting content over a communication network in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates functional elements ofinformation processor and/or a user workstation in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a simple configuration of the present application;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example image of an animal snout;

FIG. 5 shows an image of a portion of the snout in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows segmented portions of the snout detail area;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the animal identification andinteractive networking system;

FIG. 8 represents a map received by a user in accordance with animplementation of the present application;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example electronic solar dog tag in accordancewith an implementation of the present application;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example screen that a user can encounter, such asuser/PDA unit;

FIG. 11 demonstrates the dog owner's PDA device; and

FIG. 12 illustrates fixed and mobile components of the presentapplication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present application,disclosed herein is a computer operable system, method and applicationfor identifying (at least) animals, by way of an animal associatedsocial network and at least animal characteristic(s), includingbiometric characteristics.

Included in one or more embodiments can be a primary computing module(s)for managing data provided by external computing modules, including butnot limited to those within and/or linked to PDA devices, such asmulti-function cell phone devices. One or more networks can be involvedin linking such device(s) with the primary computing module(s).

PDA scanning devices now exist. Fingerprints can be used by the ANDROIDsystem for providing scanned information to identify the user and tounlock unit functions, as a security feature. The scanning in thisexample, can be accomplished as a tandem use/function of the displayportion of the phone/PDA. Through image capture operability, data can begenerating in response to variations in scanned or otherwise sampledfeatures related to an object placed in contact with the PDA screenand/or placed within a designated acceptable distance from a selectedsensor(s) linked and/or embodied within the PDA device. Any such imagecapture and digitizing component array of a PDA device may be configuredto glean and created data from selected discernable physical aspects ofa pet.

One or more embodiments of the present application relates to a scanningfeature of a PDA device having the linked application of scanning aprint associated with an animal, such as its nose print, or otherphysical characteristics. Familiarly, nose prints of animals have beenprinted to paper with ink to allow for subsequent identification forvarious purposes. Herein these nose prints, not unlike humanfingerprints, can provide an amount of scan-able information to providea data file of information for conveying from a PDA device, through anetwork(s) to a hub computing module(s) and linked database(s).

Unlike existing technology for creating physical ink prints of suchfeatures and scanning them by hand, for inclusion in a database, hereinthe wireless device (PDA for example) can include one or more samplingcomponents, such as a scanning functionality and/or image capture chip(or comparable component) for generating digital data from variations ina prescribed visual area, not limited to a portion of an animal's bodysuch as the nose.

In one or more implementations, a service can be provided to internetusers and/or PDA device users. This service can provide, for a fee ornot, access to inputting information derived from an animal's uniquephysical characteristics, such as a nose print. Software provided withinan application, such as a PDA device selectable application, can managescanning and/or other related imaging of animal's unique physicalcharacteristics. These may include the nose print and/or imaging viacamera or other linked imaging functionality of the device(s) of theanimal exterior. For example, a nose print and/or images of the animal,may provide identification markers and reference-able aspects forsubsequent identification.

Such identification can involve a “narrowing down” of similar animalfile results, provided as a list of animal profiles with photos forexample, for final human and/or other additional modes (e.g. genetic) ofidentification of the exact animal in question. This, if the system wasunable to definitively narrow the correlation down from one animal toone other animal.

The computer operable system in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the present application can allow at least for information, such asphysical aspects of an animal, to provide data that can be used tocorrelate information against information related to another animal inlinked database(s), which may lead to an animal being matched to its ownprofile as previously input to the database, for example. This can aidin at least locating a lost animal.

By providing existing devices with the scanning and/or imaging functionsand operability to extract animal image reference data usable by thesystem acceptable for correlation function(s), the current existing“RFID microchip” method of costly implanted devices requiring trainedspecialists for the implantation and dedicated scanning equipment, aswell as cumbersome data inputting needs, is improved. Herein, in one orimplementations, existing electronic wireless devices (PDAs for example)carried by millions may provide all necessary functions at theuser/animal end of the method, which can allow existing animal aspectsto provide the identification data via imaging, for example, that todaya costly system provides by way of invasively implanting devices thatemit information to specifically created devices compatible with suchimplanted chips.

In one implementation, scanning from an animal's nose is accomplishedafter downloading and opening a specific computer application, operableon selected PDA devices, such as an Android PDA-cell phone.

In one or more implementations, an animal's nose makes contact and fillsa suitable amount of an area on the screen, such as a designated“circle” or “square,” for example. Once an agreeable amount ofinformation had been digitized relative to this scan, within the PDA orby way of an external computing function, (for example aftertransmission of image or image related data,) a confirmation can beprovided that is visible and/or audible to the PDA user, preferably.(Apple's Iphone is one example of a wireless PDA device that featuresuser operable applications that access uniquely configured networkdatabases).

Optionally, additional information may form additional criteria of aprofile related to the selected animal. This may include GPS gleanedand/or manually input location data, other information about the animal,including but not limited to name, physical, biological or behavioralattributes. Further, the associated owner(s) of the animal, orapplication user standing in for the owner(s,) can provide or otherwisebe identified in association with at least some of the pet-relatedinformation, at least in part for later correlation between a lostanimal and those who may be contacted in relation to that lost animal asa determined prior information provider(s).

In one or more implementations, hub computing can correlateprogram-determined points of correlation between a submitted animal scanand/or other information, and the database of information related toanimals provided or accessible to that date. Location information, suchas state, town, or even a prior confirmed GPS location determination,may narrow the field of files searched, or at least prioritize thelibrary of profiles based on such seminal initial criteria, for example.

In lieu or in addition to the “nose scan,” other visual information mayserve as the basis of correlation and/or profile information in one ormore implementations. This may include images derived from still and/ormotion captures, by the PDA device or not, of the animal and/or ofthings associated with the animal, including but not limited to anowner(s) or other people, other animals, or even other visuals. Still ormotion imaging of designated angles of the subject animal may providedata associated with markings and other characteristics sufficient toidentify an animal in one or more embodiments. Further, a size referencecan be imposed, to help the system automatically or otherwise correlatephysical aspects of the animal relative to a standard size, for moreexact size determinations of the animal and/or aspects of the animalthat can be useful in identification. In one or more embodiments, thescanning feature may also serve as an identification tool on other bodyareas of an animal, other than the nose, or in addition to that aspect.

In one or more embodiments of the present application, audioinformation, such as a bark for example, may provide furtheridentification cues, as vocal qualities can be quite specific toanimals. Further, information for a profile may be input by users, allor in part, by “speaking” in relation to the image capture(s) to allowfor an audio and/or transcribed (audio recognition based) profileresult. This, in part, to make the quick inputting of animal informationeasy and effortless for a user, to increase willingness to download anduse an affordable, or free, application based on the present invention.The goal being to get animals into the system to help protect as many aspossible, that otherwise cannot be easily associated with proper ownersif lost, for example.

In one or more implementations, the ability to capture, confirm, and/orrequest additional information can be provided, including but notlimited to additional imaging required of an animal to properly catalogand/or correlate that animal's information acceptably. This can beaccomplished, for example, by way of at least two linked computingdevices. For example, a wirelessly network connected PDA device and ahub computer(s) coupled with a database(s) that can include compatiblepet information for correlation by specific system programming designedto determine similarities between parts, all or in combinations ofprofile/animal-related information.

In marketing, the ability to provide such an application affordably,and/or initially at no charge, can lead to millions of animal's databeing provided to a database(s) by owners wanting to at least protecttheir animals, should they get lost or stolen. Further, the opportunityto provide this product in tandem, or association, with other productsand/or services, may be significant. Beyond the service of helping tounite many animals with owners not currently able to be reunited, orlocated, the revenue potential of even upgrading a pet's profile for afee if lost, may be enormous.

In at least this implementation, upgraded profiles may increase thelikelihood of correlation with lost animals that are scanned at animalshelters, rescue facilities, hospitals or others with access to theapplication. This, as the comparison of found animals with an initialgroup of “upgraded profiles,” representing at least lost animals who arelated user has indicated to hug computing is lost, provides a narrowergroup of comparison speeding and correlation.

Thus, in at least one embodiment, one or only a few animals may need tobe selected when the system provides a search result of correlatedprofiles/animals. Indeed, the upgraded group correlations may beprovided first, in priority, before the other correlated animal results,if any. This, as this group is likely to include more lost animals thanthe other. Thus, the upgrading feature for lost animals can be area ofgreat revenue potential as a free application may have a meaningful fee,to increase likelihood of locating the pet, such as $49.95, for example.Such fees are not easy to charge up front for services provide as PDAapplications, for example.

This can be a critical and useful system distinction. In one or moreimplementations, the system functionality can include not only imagingand profile information to distinguish a subject, making it more likelyto correlate with other system accessible data toward discreet anduseful associations; it can also include the ability for member/useraffected distinctions, subsequent to an initial scan and profiling,rendering the correlation process more effective. For example, byaltering the “status” of the profile, a subject such as an animal, ismoved and/or copied into a separate database store or category,representing a filtered or “premium” group, such as “missing memberanimals”.

This subset of the overall database of accessible subjects' data, canprovide a smaller data pool to reference, or reference as a priority,toward more likely correlation between a reference subject, such as a“found animal,” and the correlation data pool, of “missing animals”.Once location and/or other additional narrowing data aspects are alsofactored, the likelihood of a direct match between even just “nose scan”data can be increased, or at the least, the number of “similar matchinganimals” to a nose scan can be reduced to a manageable number ofprofiles and/or photos, to allow a person who has found an animal toestablish if there is an animal in the database in that area whomatches. In one or more implementations, a final round of reviewing dataor at least photos provided of the subject (animal) may need to occurtoward a final selection of likely animal match and access tocommunications with the associated member/human, directly or via othersystem interactive options provided. For example, this can be as simpleas clicking an icon “I think I found your animal” to which the systemprovides an alert to that associated person (such as a human member whosubmitted an animal profile). In that instance, in at least oneembodiment, an owner who indeed has lost an animal can respond to thesystem, if not directly to the animal finder, if that option isprovided. Optionally, more direct and immediate direct chat and/orelectronic communications between network members, associated withsubjects such as animals, may be provided.

Thus, if not at the time of enrolling in the service, at the time ofusing the service to help locate a lost member-animal, significantrevenue can be generated for the service overall in one or moreembodiments. Filtered “groups” or subsets, based on animal aspects,criteria and/or circumstances, may be created to provide useful groupsof animals and their associated humans.

The service in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentapplication may be easily purchased as a gift for others, unlike thecumbersome, expensive and invasive “pet chip system” that is implantedphysically. Further, in at least one implementation, a single enrollmentmay entitle a user to scan more than one animal, allowing for otherfamily and/or friends' animals to be enrolled in their account. Indeed,alerting a neighbor that their animal has been located is a great giftto be able to potentially provide. The ease of virtually everyone havingaccess to the key component of the system, a PDA device with imagingcapability, makes this system accessible, affordable and potentiallyvery effective, at least, reuniting many animals with owners.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present application,mobile functionality of enrolling within an application network, whichcreates at least profile related database stored data related to ananimal and an associated human/member is included. The need for physicalprinting and scanning of separate method components of necessity, inother methods (such as paper and ink,) can be eliminated.

Further, the network can be unique to the application and/or linked withexisting networks, such as FACEBOOK and other familiar user basedprofile networks. Further, PDA functionality coupled with the presentmethod can provide the new tandem operability of GPS based and/ormanually input data being associated with the time of scan/capture of ananimal's nose or related image captures. These location based profiledata points, such as a location, can provide cataloguing bases options,including but not limited to location based “narrowing” and/orprioritizing of the field of correlation between scanned animals in thedatabase(s) allowing for more manageable system operability, given thepotential of similar nose scans within the system.

Further, in at least one configuration, a nose print is scanned throughphysical contact of the animal with the PDA or a PDA component, such asa protective clear screen over the PDA imaging component(s) to allow forcontact that does not dirty or otherwise damage the PDA device. In atleast one embodiment, direct contact with the PDA device is an option.

Further, in one or more implementations, the providing of at least oneadditional image, beyond a nose scan “image,” of a given subject animal,can provide for another means of human and/or system based datacorrelation. For example, an animal-based social networking systemand/or application in accordance with at least one implementation, canhave PROFILES of animals. These can include manually input and/orautomatically captured profile data, such as location data, time anddate, etc.

Further profile data can include this additional image(s) which canprovide visual reference to distinguishable aspects of the animal, suchas a side and/or front view revealing unique markings and otherrecognizable aspects, whether by a human and/or by a computer operateddata correlating program(s).

Such additional image(s) of an animal, or other subject, can provideadditional material for the social-network style “profile” of thesubject as well. Further, a system of size correlation may be provided,by manual input or special sizing programming that may company capturedvisual aspects of the subject with another object and/or other sizerelated capture(s) for comparative approximation of animal size aspectsand even potentially weight and other useful aspects in identification.

The present system, in one or more implementations, therefore provides auseful new approach to at least correlating subjects, live or otherwise,such as animals by providing profiles including imaging information,which can be correlated to help find “matches” between one profile and asimilar profile(s) within or accessible to database(s) and/or systemcomputer operability. Indeed any subject objects, living or otherwise,with at least a characteristic distinct from a comparable characteristicof at least one other subject, including an inanimate object, may be atleast in part electronically associated by the at least one embodimentof the present system/method.

Though the present method and/or system may be used to correlate manysubject types, the present preferred configuration relates to animalsand, in some configurations, pets as an exemplary example ofoperability. Thus, at least one purposeful image capture, such as a scanor sampling of an animal (or portion thereof) can provide at least onecomputer manageable data point for correlating existing animal data inthe database(s), which can be cataloged as profiles including at leastsome other data and including at least contact info associated with aperson(s) linked by the system with an animal. In one or moreimplementations, such a person can be a profiled member, or profiledperson associated with an animal member, of this animal social networkoperability: A social network because there are animals, represented byhumans, provided with interactive capability directly and/or via systemfiltering, to at least transmit information that is conveyed, all or asaltered by computing operability, to other human(s) represented withinthe network in association with at least one animal.

Further, the association of others in the network who are human, neednot be limited to a direct association with an animal. Social networkingand targeting operability of people, around the topic of animals forexample, is provided in one or more embodiments of the presentapplication with the core being an animal-featuring or referencingsocial network (or social networking aspect or application).

At least one configuration of the present application includes aplurality of imaging options with the PDA device aspect. For example, acamera and a scanning aspect, which may or may not be a tandem componentand operability of at least a touch screen component/functionality. Thecapture of a potentially unique trait of a subject, such as a subjectanimal nose visual, may be accomplished with one or more of the imagingaspects of the PDA device. For example, in at least one embodiment, aphotograph can be accomplished with the PDA not in literal contact withthe subject. In one or more embodiments, the subject/object, such as ananimal nose, can make contact with a component(s) of the PDA device,such as a scanning aspect provided in tandem with the touch screenportion of such a device and/or on the reverse side of that touch screensurface. Such a reverse side scanning component(s) can allow, forexample, for a human fingerprint to be scanned to unlock a phone basedon unique imaged aspects of a user's fingerprint. Further, such ascanning aspect may allow for a business card in another configuration,to be scanned by providing the card to the PDA device in some way thatmay or may not make contact with the PDA device imaging aspect(s).

In total, the PDA device aspect of the system/method in accordance withone or more implementations of the present application preferably caninclude imaging operability into at least a portion of the touch-screencomponent(s) and side of the PDA device, to most efficiently allow thedevice to make contact and scan an animal's nose, for example. Onebenefit of this additional operability to the touch screen aspect may bethat the scanned nose can be visible following an effective scan as anactual image on the touch screen in at least approximately the placethat that actual nose was placed for scanning. This provides an“immediate gratification” visual reward to the user, who is building aprofile involving at least that nose-print (or other) subject relatedinformation.

Referring now to the reference figures, in which like reference numeralsrefer to like elements, FIG. 1 shows an example hardware arrangement forviewing, reviewing and outputting content over a communication network,such as the Internet. As shown in FIG. 1, an information processor 2,optionally functioning as an internet web server, provides electroniccontent 3 to a user workstation 4 that communicates with informationprocessor 2 via communication network 16. Content 3 includes, forexample, text, graphics, pictorial, audio and video material. The userworkstation 4 employs software that enables a communication session tobe established between the user workstation 4 and information processor2. Information processor 2 employs software enabling a communicationsession, for example an HTTP session, to be established between the userworkstation 4 and the information processor 2. Also as shown in FIG. 1,a printer 7 is in an example embodiment controlled by user workstation 4to provide printed output of content 3.

FIG. 2 illustrates the functional elements of information processor 2and/or user workstation 4, and include one or more central processingunits (CPU) 32 used to execute software code and control the operationof information processor 2 and/or user workstation 4, read-only memory(ROM) 34, random access memory (RAM) 36, one or more network interfaces38 to transmit and receive data to and from other computing devicesacross a communication network, storage 40 such as a hard disk drive,floppy disk drive, tape drive, CD ROM or DVD for storing program code,databases and application data, one or more input devices 42 such as akeyboard, mouse, track ball, microphone and the like, and a display 44.

The various components of information processor 2 and/or userworkstation 4 need not be physically contained within the same chassisor even located in a single location. For example, storage device 40 maybe located at a site which is remote from the remaining elements ofproduction user workstation 4, and may even be connected to CPU 32across communication network 16 via network interface 38. In an exampleembodiment, information processor 2 includes a memory equipped withsufficient storage to provide the necessary databases, forums, and othercommunity services as well as acting as a web server for communicatinghypertext markup language (HTML), Java applets, Active-X controlprograms or the like to information processor 2. Information processor 2is arranged with components, for example, those shown in FIG. 2,suitable for the expected operating environment of information processor2. The CPU(s) 32, network interface(s) 38 and memory and storage 40 areselected to ensure that capacities are arranged to accommodate expecteddemand.

The nature of the present invention is such that one skilled in the artof writing computer executable code (i.e., software) can implement thedescribed functions using one or more of a combination of popularcomputer programming languages and developing environments including,but not limited to C, C++, Visual Basic, JAVA, HTML, XML, ACTIVE SERVERPAGES, FLASH, JAVA server pages, servlets, and a plurality web sitedevelopment applications.

It is contemplated herein that any suitable operating system can be usedon information processor 2 and user workstation 4, for example, DOS,WINDOWS 3.X, WINDOWS 95, WINDOWS 98, WINDOWS 2000, WINDOWS CE, WINDOWSNT, WINDOWS XP, WINDOWS VISTA, WINDOWS 2000, WINDOWS XP, WINDOWS 7,WINDOWS 8, MAC OS, LINUX, IOS, ANDROID and any suitable PDA or palmcomputer operating system.

As used herein, the term, “module,” refers, generally, to one or morediscrete components that contribute to the effectiveness of the systemsand methods described herein. Modules can include software elements,including but not limited to functions, algorithms, classes and thelike. Modules also include hardware elements, substantially as describedbelow. Modules can operate independently or, alternatively, depend uponone or more other modules in order to function.

As used herein, references to displaying data on information processor 2and user workstation 4 regard the process of communicating data acrosscommunication network 16 and processing the data such that the data isviewed on a display 44, for example, by using a web browser and thelike. As is known with web browsing software, the display 44 on userworkstation 4 presents sites such that a user can proceed from site tosite within the system by selecting a desired link.

Therefore, each user's experience is based on the order with whichhe/she progresses through the display screens. Graphical screen controlsare available in the display screens and modules to initiate dataprocesses, and to provide convenient navigation between the displayscreens and modules. In other words, because the system is notcompletely hierarchical in its arrangement of display screens, users canproceed from area to area without the need to “backtrack” through aseries of display screens. For that reason, and unless explicitly statedotherwise, the following discussion is not intended to represent anysequential operation steps, but rather to illustrate the components.

By providing existing devices with the scanning and/or imaging functionsand operability to extract at least animal image reference data usableby the system acceptable for correlation function(s,) the currentexisting “RFID microchip” method is improved. RFID is a costly methodrequiring implanted devices and trained specialists for the implantationand dedicated scanning equipment. Cumbersome data inputting needs arealso required, from pet owner forms. Herein, existing electronicwireless devices (PDAs for example) carried by millions may provide allnecessary functions at the user/animal end of the method, allowingexisting animal aspects to provide the identification data via imaging,for example, that today a costly system provides by way of invasivelyimplanting devices that emit information only to specifically createddevices compatible with such implanted chips. Further, animal profilescomprising a “pet interactive network” or “social network,” may furtherbe coupled with existing or new human social networks, relating petprofile data with human profile data.

FIG. 3 illustrates a simple configuration of the present system,demonstrating the PDA scanning and data base managing aspects of atleast one configuration of the disclosed system, method and relatedcomponents. The present application is further described below,including, in one or more implementations, identification cues andcorrelation areas for PDA device (or other computing device) capture anddata comparison.

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate at least one implementation of the presentapplication, where a relatively uncontrolled image capture, derived fromone or more captures from a PDA device (for example) in still or videomode, or other capture mode, provides image information that may beanalyzed and compared to other image information in at least onedatabase in a myriad of ways.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example image of an animal snout. As shown in FIG.4, an identified and isolated region, (for example between nostrilaspect(s) that most if not all dogs share) may provide comparable imageaspects. For example, the excerpted region (the snout detail area) canbe an “area” or even just a “line” wherein snout ridges andirregularities provide variations in light refraction. Even with varyinglight, at least some imaged aspects can provide comparable sequences oflight and dark results, from left to right for example, as a dynamic ofthe snout skin's consistent effect on even variable light illuminatingthe snout.

FIG. 5 shows an image of a portion of the snout in FIG. 4—the snoutdetail area—which illustrates distinguished depression areas, orvariations indicating a depression and/or rise in the surface of theskin over this area. This image is similar to a geographic “relief map”showing mountain ranges versus flat desert regions.

FIG. 6 shows segmented portions of the snout detail area. The amount ofwhite versus black (in this example) in the boxed area results from thesame snout in different lighting. This example scenario presents oneanimal in the particular geographic region (half mile of flaggedlocation) that has this same relative saturation (i.e., amount of blackversus white) of at least some, if not all, of the segmented snoutregions. Like a complete or partial bar code created from the imagedlight/dark regions of the selected snout region.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the animal identification andinteractive networking system. As shown in FIG. 7, “A” represent a hubcomputing and system management, that is linked to a wireless receiverdirectly or indirectly; “B” represents a subject animal; “C” representsa user-operated PDA device; “D” represents an application icon,accessing services and membership/enrollment and image/data upload andtransmission; “E” represents a PDA device camera and/or other biometricsampling component(s); “F” represents transmissions between the PDAdevice and the hub computing linked receiver; “G” represents biometricdata, such as an image(s), maintained in a database related to animals;and “H” represents image or biometric-correlating software.

Below are examples of simplified image correlation approaches.

-   1) An area of the snout is distinguished, as a standard and/or    variable feature recognition function of image analyzing programming    of this computer managed system and method. Herein, the example    region is distinguished in relation to dog nostrils, which are    consistent image landmarks.-   2) Like a relief map of a mountain range, regardless of the lighting    source, in a wide range of scenarios even variable lighting will    reveal/distinguish ridges, or depressions in the surface, relative    to higher regions. Thus, like a bar code, markers of one or more    size/width, may be ascribed to excerpted image portions, to show    depressions and/or raised regions, creating a pattern or “Morse    code” sequence of information that relates to at least some of the    features of this excerpted, or distinguished, comparative region.-   3) And/or, like a COLOR SHART or gradient comparative sequence,    identified sub-regions of the comparative feature region, a very    simplified numerical basis for distinguishing one animal (such as a    dog) from another is demonstrated. As raised regions of the flesh,    as with mountains in an image of the Andes, will cause an increase    in lighter image area(s). As a result, the overall saturation in a    an image utilizing only “black” information of the comparative    feature region, can be segmented into a selectable sequence of    “boxes” for example, each with a resulting “black saturation” number    relating to black/white coverage (averaged for example). Thus, even    in variable lighting situations a basis for correlation and    identification of the same animal from different imaging conditions    is provided, based on the relative ratios between at least some of    the boxed regions within the comparative feature region.-   4) Though not necessarily, imposing sampling/filtering tools, such    as LOCATION based reduction of the overall relevant database    represented animals, (such as those within a mile of a selected    point or area, such as a dog owner's home,) combined with the    discernible simple imaging distinctions demonstrated herein, will at    least “order” a plurality of potentially relevant animals. At most,    a single animal will be distinguished as the MOST relevant.-   5) In a preferred configuration, such an ordering of animals would    include a user friendly “likelihood” ratio. Meaning, if an animal is    determined to be relevant to the imaging result/correlation herein,    as the system deals with variable/imperfect captures and other    limitations affecting perfect correlation conditions, a PERCENTAGE    ratio and/or ranking of relevant results is preferred. For example,    after imaging a dog's nose and providing it to a computer(s)    associated with this correlation challenge, one of more animal(s)    from the database may be provided as “relevant results” and a number    and/or order representing a degree of relevance (or likelihood that    this is the animal that correlates best) is provided.-   6) More complex options include (for example) factoring more image    feature areas; factoring more than just black information, such as    selected color(s); factoring more than just camera imaged    information, such as infrared or contact scanned information    (including scenarios of the animal making contact with a scanning    surface of a PDA or other device); factoring multi-dimensional    information gathered through one or more lenses and/or sampling    devices; factoring multiple sequential images, such as video    captures, to derive a range of data relative to the same feature(s)    to enrich the overall data file(s) used in correlation . . . . Among    other options.-   7) Herein, the invention relates in certain configurations to a    database(s) that includes data that relates to the biometrics of    animals, such as dogs. In one range of configuration(s), imaging is    accomplished with a PDA device(s) such as smartphone(s). In one    range of configuration(s) such PDA devices transmit at least data    related to images or other sampling efforts related to animals such    as dogs. In one range of configuration(s) data derived from dog(s)    is transmitted by the PDA device that gathered the sampling data,    such as image(s); In one range of configuration(s) a hub computer or    computer array, manages the capture, transmission and/or correlation    of information relate to animals by way of a PDA device managed    application; In one range of configuration(s) contact scanning    and/or other sampling devices are employed to gather information    related to an animal(s). In one range of configuration(s), hub    computing receives, correlates and provides results related to user    provided animal information, which may include image(s) or other    biometric sampling data unique to an animal, for example, and/or    location information, user information, animal information provided    by a user or otherwise accessed or inferred, time/date information,    circumstantial information such as status of an animal as lost or    not, among other options, are provided and computer managed.

An objective of the present invention is to provide an animalidentification system that, at least, prioritizes relevant subjects in adatabase(s) in relation to animal related information provided byuser(s).

The present application is further described below, includingimplementations including improvements related to animal identification,rescue and interactive network systems and methods.

One or more embodiments of the present application demonstrate systemsthat will allow FDA devices to interact with very regionalized locationbased transmissions for notifications and alerts, via NFC, BLE andrelated technologies.

Herein, identification information transmitting animal tag, includingthe solar powered configuration and other configurations, may provide arelated improvement specific to lost dog alerts and further to rewardalerts.

In one or more implementations, an animal wearing the SnoutScan tag(s)can transmit a low energy transmission, including via NFC, BLE and/orother means, that interact compatibly with both PDA device(s) and/orWi-Fi and related regional signal transmission/receiving systems. Thus,in at least one implementation, a cell phone and/or home Wi-Fi systemwithin a short range of a traveling animal, wearing a transmitting tag,can receive a specific alert and option to link into the networkdirectly or at least allow the system to utilize their local network tocontact the owner with location information. Here, in one or moreembodiments, an altruistic permission to gain access to the network maybe “allowed” even in password protected networks, and/or a REWARD may beprovided to allow for the permission, allowing the notice recipient toenter or otherwise permit access to his, and or his network informationto consummate a system managed transmission involving all or some of hishardware, near the lost animal. Further, a subsequent and or immediatereward, which may further beckon the recipient to join the networkmembership (or not) may involve network valued credit and or all or partof a cash reward. In this way, BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi and the like may enablepeople in the proximity of an animal to be alerted as to a reward thatis offered and/or to the status of the animal, including media that theanimal tag may itself transmit (including data involving descriptiveinformation about the animal, images, video and or access to same,) tohelp a local alert recipient to not only contact (or allow contact) ofan owner, but to identify and animal himself, Geographic information maybe further transmitted, allowing the recipient to aid in the locatingand retrieval of a lost animal.

In one or more implementations, short term and specific REWARDS may beissued to users, even via their CELLULAR CARRIERS, or APP providers,(such as ITUNES,) by simply interacting advantageously and/or allowingfor appropriation of their hardware for relaying information useful tothe retrieval network, when an animal is within a detectable distancefrom them. Thus, for example, a blue tooth equipped cell phone carrier,may receive a notification on his device, via blue tooth visually oraudibly, indicating that an animal is within 150 feet of him (forexample) and there is $100 reward for safe retrieval and notification ofthe owner via the network, and or a $50 reward (for example) for simplyallowing his cell phone to convey the tag information and his own phonelocation and related data to the network, to aid in the animal recoveryeffort, including in the proper alert of potentially more able, willingand situated animal lovers (and or network members) in the vicinity orotherwise distinguished by their traits, preferences or current status,location or other distinguishing factors manageable by system computing.

Indeed, the present application provides management by a special purposecomputer of the network designed to identify, weigh and alert the mostuseful people and related device(s) with the most useful information, toincrease the likelihood of a faster and more successful pet retrieval.

Thus, in at least one implementation, the pet's collar and/or pet itselfmay be equipped with hardware that at least transmits a low energysignal locally, that may automatically (if a network that is “open” isdetected) and/or by special permission, rewarded of not, conveyinformation to at least a local person(s) and/or an owner, who may gainadditional information about his animal's location by virtue of thelocation of the network that detected/received his pet'stransmission(s). Further, a plurality of such local detections canenable the system to not only map a single location.

Further, in one or more embodiments, a plurality of phones (and or PDAdevices) that receive the signal(s) from an animal equipped with atransmitter, may contribute information that provides tandem correlationdata for triangulating the current, updated and even the anticipatedlocation of an animal based on the present invention. Thus, members orpotential others may receive alerts of an animal that appears to bemoving in their direction, and especially network members who areagreeable “dog finders” may receive early alerts, even based on theirlocation and capacity (and or indicated willingness to help) as to ananimal's location, progress, images taken (and or video sequences) andthe like. In this way, a community member may retrieve an animal safelyon behalf of an owner earlier than an owner just retrieving a pet thatcontinues to travel. Time indeed is of the essence, especially withtraffic and other dangers that kill many lost pets.

Technology surrounding the challenges of animal/pet/dog recovery islimited. Known are systems for correlating attributes of animals in adatabase for matching with other relevant database information.

One or more embodiments of the present application, in relation to suchdatabases and in relation to interactive networks such as those linkingcellular and/or PDA devices, provides an improvement that represents acomputer(s) managed system for enhancing pet recovery options.

In relation to a pet-centric interactive network, including a socialnetwork of users in one configuration, one or more implementationsinclude a system and/or method for documenting and confirming attributesof a lost pet's location(s). In one or more embodiments, the system canalso enable the projection/anticipation of a pet's future location(s)and further enable enhanced notification options for mobile deviceand/or other system linked users for participating in a focused recoveryeffort in relation to a lost pet.

For example, a system in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent application can included linked components, such as

-   -   At least one cellular or otherwise wireless network connectable        PDA device(s), preferably a PDA device with at least image/video        capture capability    -   A GPS assembly, operable to interface with the PDA device(s) to        determine a reference location(s) of the PDA device(s)    -   Software to enable information capture for compatible conveyance        as notification information and/or media

An animal that may be lost can be visually identified by a PDA deviceoperator. This operator can access software, such as an application, forenabling operability under at least one implementation of the presentapplication. This software is referred to as “SNOUTSCAN” for thefollowing configuration(s) examples.

Through a fast access control, the software can enable the PDA(wireless) device to at least access GPS and/or time information.Through manual and/or automatic information gleaning, the PDA can beprovided with system relevant information that can be provided as datato linked communication networking operability. Computing associatedwith the communication networking operability, or the “network,” cancorrelate this data for selective conveyance to at least one otheruser(s) of the network operability associated with SNOUTSCAN.

In this example application, a user spotting a potentially lost animalopens the SNOUTSCAN “I see a dog” operability and the video camera andaudio recording (mic) aspects of the PDA device (at least) are engaged;in this non-limiting example configuration. The experience of spottingthe dog, a “collie” in this case, is memorialized by twenty seconds ofvideo captured with an audio track recording the user's comments inrelation to this dog spotting.

In this case, the user is talking about the animal's appearance,location and direction, and time of day. In this instance, more exactingpositional and timing data associated with the spotting is automaticallycollected as programmed operability of the PDA device as engaged by theSNOUTSCAN software/programming.

Once the video has been collected with the audio and related data, andtransmitted via the network, the dog spotting user (in this example)automatically receives the relevant LOST DOG ALERTS in that area, withthe request, “are any of these the dog you just saw?” Six profiles areprovided in this instance. Further, two are at the top of the list, asthey system indicates, “your visual information indicates that these twoanimals may be similar to the dog you have seen based on your capturedvideo”.

To help in the process, a request to input breed, size and several otherbits of relevant data are provided as prompts to the dog spotting (videoproviding) user. He opts to only indicate “collie” in the prompts beforealso enabling “I may be contacted directly by lost dog owners in thisarea,” (opting for a 10 mile radius limitation to that direct contactoption).

In this example configuration, three SNOUTSCAN users, one who is a DOGOWNING MEMBER and two who are limited “network users only,” (i.e. nondog registering users,) have provided video of the same lost collie. Inthis example, when the owner realized his dog is not at home, he openshis SNOUTSCAN application on his own PDA device, accessing the “my dogFIDO is lost” button in the dog profile of his account. Immediately, atleast several things occur in this example configuration, including:

a) All registered users of SNOUTSCAN who have allowed for LOST DOGNOTIFICATIONS to be sent, receive a text message in relation to thislost dog with at least access to the dog profile (and image(s))provided. For others, when they access SNOUTSCAN a prompt indicating“six dogs have been lost within 5 miles of you, since your last log in.Click HERE to view these LOST DOG ALERTS” is provided as an option thatcan be bypassed for other use of the NETWORK functions.

b) The lost dog owner receives a MAP with three FLAGS dropped at GPSbased locations, which directly (or through other option(s) provided tohis PDA) provide access to AUDIO and VIDEO recordings provided by TWO ofthem. One was simply a data based entry, indicating “large-Collie” whichby synergy with the other lost dog sighting entries, was determined bythe system programming to be relevant to includes a 74% likely to berelated to the other two sightings which are already determined to be86% likely to be his dog FIDO based on visual and other data.

c) The system provides, in one configuration, a “play media by time”control, which allows all of the collected videos to be played to thepotential DOG OWNER in the sequence in which they were captured. ForJOHN, the owner of FIDO, he can now not only see this is FIDO to hiseye, but the direction Fido is headed down the familiar road, MAINSTREET, is clear to him now in by the sequential play of the videos andthe map demonstrating sighting points by time stamp, in an orderedpresentation, “sighting 1, 2 and 3.”

d) Further, a system operability projects anticipated direction anddestination(s) of the animal based on time, showing he is likely toreach the corner of MAIN and OAK streets, by 1:08 pm, for example . . .. And Main and Maple by 1:12, with two alternate directions likelythough less anticipated shown by colored “projected animal path” routes;not unlike the various hurricane path projections, which are delineatedby their respective likelihoods/potential.

e) As John heads out toward MAIN and OAK, a text message from USER1492B, (who chooses to remain anonymous,) is received indicating: “Auser has found and is in possession of your pet. You may message thisuser by clicking HERE, and selecting TEXT OR VOICE for your message.”This user has literally taken possession of and used SNOUTSCAN to imagethe animal's registered nose-print. Immediately, with 100% certainty,the FIDO “lost dog” profile appears on USER 1492B's PDA screen, as partof the SNOUTSCAN operability, with the button, “confirm this animal isin your possession” provided, which was indeed selected/engaged leadingto the definitive notification to John in relation to Fido's recovery bya user.

f) John text messages the user that he “will be a Main and Oak in 3minutes, and to please meet him there or indicate otherwise,” to recoverhis animal, (Standard system programmed/universal messages could beengaged at this point as well, facilitating communication for standard,expected aspects of contact and recovery). This occurs without incident,allowing the user who has leashed FIDO to provide him to the rightfulowner. On confirmation by John that the dog has been recovered, the fourmembers who have provided information leading to the dog's recoveryreceive selected incentives, related to system services and/oradvertiser (goods). In this case, John opted for a system optionproviding a $25 charge to activate an OWNER'S LOST DOG alert related tohis pet FIDO. In another configuration option, a fee also pertains tothe acknowledged recovery of FIDO, acknowledged by the owner, which atleast compensates the system in relation to incentives provided to userswho at least registered SIGHTINGS relevant to FIDO's recovery.

In this example, USER 1492B got the largest incentive, for literallygaining possession of the animal, removing the animal from danger. Thatuser could have provided the animal to a SNOUTSCAN linked professional,such as an animal control facility, had he opted to not have directcontact with the pet owner. The lowest incentive receiver was the userwho simply recorded information about a sighting, not providing anymedia, visual or audio to enhance his sighting report.

g) The electronic dog tag linked component

At least one embodiment of the present application has an additionalaspect option enhancing reporting and recovery. In an alternate exampledescribed below, this electronic component's operability isdemonstrated.

A dog tag provided to dog-registering users of SNOUTSCAN, can haveseveral features. Any or all of them may be provided in various systemconfigurations. The tag in this example includes visual information,including FIDO'S name and John's number, with a VISUAL print of Fido'sactual SNOUT imprint, in high contrast, on the reverse side. As withFido's actual snout, this high contrast image when scanned by a PDAdevice engaged in the SNOUTSCAN application and related operability,Fido's actual profile will be accessed directly or as a group of “mostlikely” profiles the snout print triggers. With visual scanning, thepotential of similar profiles allows for imperfect scanning at initialprofile creation or in imaging a lost dog's snout and or tag aspect,which is likely by unskilled users and, for instance, dogs that may behard to keep still, etc.

In a preferred configuration, the SNOUTSCAN compatible animal tags havea POWER SOURCE and are electronic transmitters maintaining at least sometransmittable data. For example, if Fido is registered animal A43392,that is the data the tag is configured to transmit over and over, orwhen triggered by external stimuli, to transmit. This code, receivablefrom SNOUTSCAN enabled device(s) within a prescribed radius of the tag,would at least provide access to network linked profiles and thus theexact animal profile matching the code. The margin for error orconfusion as to whose animal is the subject can thus be reduced tovirtually zero.

Further, solar collectability of light to convert to a small store ofenergy, usable by the tag to manage the low level data store andtransmit operability needed for those within (at least) visual range,for example, to receive data related to lost animals in their vicinity .. . provides that dogs lost over an extended period of time are likelyto have operationally transmitting tags.

Thus, on engaging the application on seeing an animal, a user can duringand/or after imaging the animal he sees, (a time sensitive feature worthengaging without delay or room for confusion,) a profile(s) providedfirst, even before lost dog alerts, can indicate, this animal is within300 yards of you, is this the animal you see? Then and/or subsequently,whether this animal has yet been updated by the OWNER to be a “lost dog”may be revealed or visible, along with any other animals that can besystem presented as relevant to recovery of FIDO or similar and/or otheranimals in that area, at that time.

FIG. 8 represents a map received by John (on his PDA device, in thiscase an iPhone,) revealing that other users have already seen his dogwithin recent history, including two who have provided video/audio mediain which the dog is visible clearly in a few frames of video (in thisexample). The system has in fact used these clear frames of video incorrelating aspects of animal profiles, by relevance aspects includingLOCATION, LOST DOG STATUS, and VISUAL data related to breed, size andmarkings, for example.

FIG. 8 further demonstrates a determination, based on user's status,position, and their location(s) over time as well as the LOST PET'SBREED BEHAVIOR PROFILE to uniquely determine the most likely pathway(s)for the animal, leading to a prioritizing of connected users based onDETERMINATIONS made by system computing relative to their likelihood toencounter the animal and willingness to convey data and/or participatein active recovery efforts.

Further, alerts are sent herein to a cellphone of a user who isdesignated as an active recovery member (highest willingness to receiveand act on notifications by member/user rankings,) though his phone isturned off Indeed, when that phone is reactivated these alerts will bereceived and displayable. And, the alerts are also sent to that member'semail and home phone accounts, agreeably by system computing correlationof that member's profile status and indications in these areas ofvenue/network participation and willingness.

Exemplary of functionality of at least one configuration of the presentsystem and method illustrated in FIG. 8. Lost pet equipped with atransmitting unit position, 801, which may be configured as (or within)a pet ID tag housing, such as a collar tag, is moving away from his homeon “Maple Way”. He has moved over the one minute of time demonstrated inthis figure, from position 801 to 801B. The original home location ofthe lost pet is 800.

Network “SnoutScan” members in possession of PDA devices 802, 803 and804, and 805 are relatively stationery during the one minute of time,though moving member, 810, moves from his initial position to position810B.

Iphone user 809 is not a network member. Though, the transmitter on lostdog, 801, is being received by his phone as a signal recognized as a“new network” that has a clever network name, revealing LOST DOG and aphone number, as a special information broadcasting aspect of thedevice, to make it more universal for reception by devices notconfigured to the network's optimal software. 811 represents a footpathbetween paved roads that an animal would be more likely to utilize thana person.

Members 812, 813, 814, 815 and 816 are members who have agreed toreceive active alerts of lost pets in the network, including audionotification, namely a “bark” to let a user to know to check his screenwhich automatically opens image capture operability in case the animalis within sight. Such captured images being uploaded automatically (orotherwise) to the network after capture.

System computing has triangulated lost dog, 801's, position through atleast passive members, (agreeing to convey data to the network withoutnotification to them,) 802, 803, 804. Based on determinations made bysystem computing, including animal behavior aspects, mapped landmarksincluding roads and paths in the area, and member information includingtheir membership status, location, motion/direction among other options,alerts are transmitted to targeted (as relevant) computing devices 812,813, 815, 816. Smartphone 814 is not alerted, as this user is moving inthe wrong direction and though a designated alert friendly member, he isnot deemed relevant enough to include in the alerts, at this point.

PDA device at the last known location of member's PDA when turned on,and home member location receive alerts that will be retrievable whenPDAs are turned back on and/or when email, voicemail or other linkednotification options are checked.

Further operability may include a transmitting device that is alsoequipped with receiving capability, for PET/TAG 801. Receivingtransmissions can further aid in causing alarms to sound or becomevisual, such as a lighted dog collar linked to such signal receptions,to allow interactive operability attached and/or otherwise maintained byPET 801 to trigger general audible, visual or receivable alarms/alertsthat this PET is lost. Such functions can be triggered automaticallywhen the animal is determined by triangulation or other linkedcomponents, (such as electronic “invisible fencing operability”) to bebeyond permissible bounds of the owner.

In this way, before an animal is even identified by other PDA devices,his own transmitter may alert cell towers and/or other receiving and/ortriangulating compatible components to provide the system computing withinformation resulting in the triggering or alerts on, around or inrelation to this lost pet via linked components of the system. These mayinclude those local to the pet, local to members and/or otherwisecompatible in some way with at least one hardware and/or softwarecomponent of the present system and invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example electronic solar SNOUTSCAN dog tag, with afacsimile 901 of the animal's unique nose print printed as black againstwhite on one side, for example, with a solar collecting cell(s) poweringa small energy store/battery. This can power a small transmitter that isprogrammed to provide at least a code as transmitted data that allowssystem operability to identify a single registered animal and userrelative to the information related to the transmitted data. In anotherconfiguration, the tag transmits enough information locally to thelinked PDA that SNOUTSCAN users and/or non-users, may receive enoughdata, even as a text message for example or emergency phone call, forexample, that the animals identify may be received.

A solicitation provided by the animal tag transmission may even requestthe user to download the free application, SNOUTSCAN, to allow for thisanimal to be confirmed in case it is a missing pet. Indeed, like beingrequested to join a local WI-FI network, enough data may be providedthat all such WIFI capable devices may at least receive a NETWORKrequest to join to at least interact with the animal that is within aPDA user's vicinity. Even visual, such as photo, information may beprovided in such an instance.

If a user is or becomes linked to the SNOUTSCAN network, though director affiliated application access, the tag transmission(s) may lead tomuch more accessible and relevant information. For instance, a FACEBOOKor linked partner network can allow for even non animal registeringusers to receive lost dog notifications if they are within the vicinityof a tag bearing animal, simply as a non-member public service allowingtheir affiliated membership to engage WIFI functions to allow them to atleast have the means to aid in an animal's recovery, should theirdevice's WIFI or other typically engaged functions pick up atransmission, or receive a transmission that their affiliated membershipdetermines (through ongoing, invisible operability) is likely a lostanimal seeking its owner.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example screen that a SnoutScan user canencounter, such as user/PDA unit 802 (see FIG. 8) when activating hisPDA device on seeing an animal who can be lost and/or in response to analert that an animal is lost, is heading in the direction of the user,or other related alerts enabled by the system software.

FIG. 11 demonstrates the dog owner's PDA device, following his review ofthe GPS based map showing apparent sightings of his dog, Fido, whereinthe device selectively provides a time based (ordered) sequence ofmedia, in this case two video clips, thought photos would have also beensequenced and provided had they been taken by those sighting Fido withtheir application engaged for imaging. Preferably, imaging will involvemulti image capture video, as obtaining any useful images of a movinganimal from a moving camera device suggests that multiple images havethe best chance of providing at least one clear one allowing for betterdiscerning of the animal and the environs, or the like.

FIG. 12 illustrates (some of) the fixed and mobile components of thesystem and method, in one configuration. This array demonstrates aminimally operational group of components in relation to the sightingscenario to follow, which corresponds to the figures.

In relation to the figures, herein follows a USE CASE example related touser, who has come to realize his dog, FIDO is not in the back yard,having escaped his fending. Herein, other system users have providedinformation already, alerting the owner of the potentiality of FIDObeing the dog they are seeing and in some cases acquiring (and/orproviding) image, GPS, time and/or other data, related to.

In one or more configurations involving a version of the “transmittingtag,” a plurality of users who have at least become associated with anetwork and database related to animal recovery, users can become relaystations of pet identification transmissions.

In this example, the transmitting dog tag is a device with a solarcomponent for gathering light and converting it to energy stored by arechargeable energy storage component, or battery. A transmitting aspectcan be configured to at least transmit a bit of data, such as analphanumeric code, that is potentially known to a linked database.

In at least one implementation, the tag can be configured to transmitinformation that any smartphone can be able to read, such as a messagethat can be recognized as a “Wi-Fi network name” or other commonlydisplayable PDA (such as smartphone) information. For example, thetransmitting tag can be seen as a new WIFI network called “lost dog JoJo212-555-1212”.

In a preferred configuration, the dog tag would at least transmit,intermittently or continuously, a signal that an activated applicationrunning on a smartphone could receive as easily as a cell phone call'stransmission. Further, members of a “pet safety net” who enroll in aservice, can be prompted in this configuration to “allow your PDA deviceto receive and convey any animal ID's that are receivable to thenetwork, and your position, in case a lost dog is near you,” and canfurther request a permission to “alert you that you are in the vicinityof a dog registered as lost, including a special audio alert such as abark, to help you become aware that a lost pet may be near you and inneed of help.”

Further, in yet another configuration, these members of a pet safety netcan be distinguished by PDA device owners who are agreeably linked tocomputing managing such a pet based network. They can be furtherdistinguished by agreeably allowing programming local and/or accessibleby their PDA device, to be engaged during all or nearly all times thatthe PDA device is turned on, or at least turned on with at least signalreceiving functionality engaged. In this way, when any transmitting dogtag is within a receivable range of any network member who is configuredto at least passively (by PDA device) receive and convey informationassociated with a transmitting dog tag, an owner who is seeking recoveryof his pet may be informed of at least the location at which that PDAdevice encountered the signal of his pet's tag and at what time.

In one configuration of the invention, if the network member who is, orwas, in range of that dog tag is not actively engaged in the recovery ofthe pet, then at least a “map” of pet motion by PDA devices whoencounter that pet tag transmission may be constructed and modified,each time another compatible PDA device encounters the tag. Then, as anetwork service, the owner of the lost pet could be able access a mapthat not only reveals at least one location and time where his pet wasin a definite vicinity, but by projecting the path of the pet based on aplurality of such mapped points of signal reception, hypotheticaldirection(s) and location(s) of the pet currently can be provided as amapping functionality of the system and this invention.

Thus, not only cell phone towers, but potentially every PDA devicewithin a range of a transmitting dog tag can provide information forsystem correlation as to current and/or projected location of thatmoving subject, or pet. Further, network members and/or PDA device userswho have agreed to receive LOST PET ALERTS, can be prioritized based ona variety of factors. This could include, their current locationrelative to a lost pet and/or a moving pet's location (or anticipatedlocation). It can also include their agreeing to be active LOST PETFINDERS, whether for incentives or not related to their participation inIDENTIFYING AND PROCURING AND/OR ALERTING RELATED TO LOST PET'S THEYFIND.

Thus, as a unique functionality of the present invention, transmissionsfor such a tag, or transmissions from an implanted or otherwisepet-attached device with transmission capability, AGREEING MEMBERS of anetwork or affiliated grouping of PDA devices users, (such as asmartphone user group distinguished by share software/functionality orother designation,) can be PRIORITIZED according to active or passiveuser designations. This includes the active designations that a user canascribe or permit about himself, including ACTIVE AND AGREEABLE PETRECOVERING MEMBER who is willing to receive active alerts about lostpets he can help recover. Variable such as LOCATION, TIME, DIRECTION OFTHE MEMBER'S OWN MOTION, among other aspects, selectively factored inrelation to an of the “active designations” of that member, could impactHIS ORDER IN THE SEQUENCE OF ALERTED MEMBERS in the “pet safety net”network.

Thus, the five smartphone user/members within 500 yards can be alertedfirst of that LOST PET STATUS of an transmitting animal, as the networkis also alerting the OWNER of these members being provided with UPDATEALERTS. Such “flag pole” designations on a map can occur in relation toactual and/or hypothetical flagpole location(s) of the pet based onsystem software determinations. Indeed, a plurality of signal receptionsby different PDA and/or receivers of any compatible type, can allow fortriangulation of more exact animal location, by factoring the signalstrengths received by at least two receivers at the same, or nearly thesame time(s). As a pet travels, newly relevant users can be determinedand notified and put in to action. As a user's smartphone encounter's atransmission, at least one other user(s)' phone may be thus alerted ofthe LOST DOG, based on time and proximity to the other phone, even ifthe receiving phone was a passive member who is only willing to have hisphone silently enrolled in “receiving and transmitting updates” withoutalerting him of the passive conveyance his device may be engaged inproviding.

Further, active designations would in another configuration include “Imay be contacted” or “contact lost dog owner” which may directly, orthrough network links, put member(s) in direct voice and/or data contact(through transmissions wirelessly) with a LOST DOG OWNER (or lost dogregistrant, such as a shelter or other system recognized entity for thatanimal).

Further, as an ACTIVE ALERT is received agreeably by a member, hissmartphone would in one configuration immediately DISPLAY the profileand/or image of the LOST PET, for quick and easy visual identificationof the actual pet if within sight. Further, in another configuration,camera (video) operability of the smartphone can be automaticallyengaged on receiving of a signal associated with a LOST PET, to allow aparticipating member to capture video of the animal at least, aiding inthe ongoing visual and data record of an animal that may not be easy tostop or retrieve/restrain. Thus, immediate linking ability to suchuploaded media may allow an owner to not only confirm his pet's identifyvisually, but to further gain information about the direction and areaof the pet's known sightings.

Further, in another configuration, pet control and shelter authoritieswould be updated as to the occurrence of LOST PET alerts, registrationsand recoveries, etc. In this way, owners who lose pets often and memberswho aid in pet recovery most, or by some criteria more effectively thanothers, can become specially designated members of the service andnetwork membership. This may even include added incentives, provided byLOST PET OWNERS and/or the service generally, to encourage an active andeffective community of members engaging in the successful retrieval andreturn of lost pets to owners as quickly as possible, to avoid ongoingdangers to pets associated with traffic, theft, other animals etc.

Further, a cellular transmitting technology provides for computertriangulation of cell phone receiving towers alone or in concert with atleast one PDA device. This PDA device(s) then relays information to atower(s). Thus, a service of the pet safety net operability hereinincludes in this configuration cellular or comparable signal receivingcomponents that may at least identify information associating thetransmission with LOST PET ALERT, a time, a location and informationassociated with the receiving device(s). This may be subsequently usedin alerts, mapping, triangulating and prioritizing other system optionsfor best use and result in recovering a pet safely, quickly andeffectively.

Further, in yet another configuration herein, additional factors areweighted by system operability by linked computing, specific to animalbehavior. Further, if the system were applied to other subjects, such asmissing children equipped with transmitting devices, their uniquebehavioral patterns would selectively be included herein, to determinehypothetical direction, speed and pathways toward likely recovery andrecovery location(s).

For example, animals are more likely to follow along roads, though lesslikely than a human to avoid woods or other natural pathways that arenot created by humans. Thus, the system of alerts to safety net membersof the network, can be altered even based on dynamics of breed behavior,species behavior factors programmed into system computing and/orexternal factors including Seasonal factors, road surfaces and othervariables that could impact hypothetical subject (including an lostanimal or a human,) likely pathway(s).

The present invention further relates in another configuration to thesafety net of wireless linked users including animals who have profiles,with the profiles including biometric information. This biometricinformation may include data related to imaged and/or scanned bodyparts, be they inclusive of the entire animal and/or of a detail of theanimal. One key example of such a body part is a dog's nose, or snout.This including image-able regions that are unique to such an animal,allowing for a dermatoglyphic identification signature, based on thedynamics discerned of that snout, or body part, as converted intodigital data that is able to be correlated against comparable manageddata in a database. This, including data derived from the same and/orother animals.

A visual example of a networked series of PDA devices, in this casesmartphones, some equipped with SNOUTSCAN system (network) software,provided initially as downloaded “apps” agreeably installed by thesmartphone owners. Another user is a non-member, whose smartphone isreceiving the “lost pet” dog tag transmission and seeing it asinformation comprehensible to his phone, in this was a “discoverednetwork signal” called “I am lost dog FIDO 212-555-1212” which isappearing on the device, just as one can see “would you like to connectto ATT Wi-Fi network”.

Although the present invention has been described in relation toparticular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modificationsand other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It ispreferred, therefore, that the present invention not be limited by thespecific disclosure herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for associating users of a wireless device network in relation to a biometric specific to animal dermatoglyphics, the method comprising: accessing, by at least one processor, at least one database that includes member information representing each of a plurality of registered members, wherein at least one member respectively owns at least one animal; providing an application that is operable by way of at least one processor to enable each of a plurality of wireless computing devices operated by the respective members to at least capture information representing optimized dermatoglyphic attributes of an animal that makes physical contact with a component of the wireless computing device; receiving, by the at least one processor from a first wireless computing device configured by the application, information associated with a first member, including: i) data generated by the first device in relation to a plurality of dermatoglyphic attributes of a first animal and at least one other attribute of the first animal, including breed; ii) a time and a location associated with the first animal; and ii) a payment commitment at least in part representing an incentive for at least one other member to provide information specific to the first animal; processing, by the at least one processor, the received information to determine: i) a relevant location-based zone associated with the first animal; and ii) a second member, based at least in part on a location associated with a second member wireless device configured by the application, and a determined likelihood of the second member to actively assist in providing information specific to the first animal; transmitting, by the at least one processor to the second wireless computing device associated with the second member, a prompt associated with the first animal; receiving, by the at least one processor from the second wireless computing device, a response to the prompt that includes at least information representing the first animal; updating, by the at least one processor based at least in part on the response received from the second wireless computing device, a projected pathway of the first animal and determining a third member based at least in part on the updated projected pathway and a determined likelihood of the third member to assist with recovering the first animal; receiving, by the at least one processor from a third wireless computing device configured by the application, at least some image-related information representing at least one dermatoglyphic attribute of the first animal; correlating, by the at least one processor, the information received from the third computing device with the information received from the first computing device; and distributing a portion of the payment to the second member and a portion of the payment to the third member based at least on a result of the correlating.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, by the at least one processor from the first wireless computing device, image information respectively associated with the first animal's anatomy.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the anatomy is at least one from a group consisting of a nose and an eye.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, by the at least one processor from the first wireless computing device, audio information respectively associated with the first animal.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one database further includes at least one of image information and audio information regarding at least one respective animal.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining, by the at least one processor in accordance with at least some of the received information, at least one person associated with the first animal; and contacting, by the at least one processor, the at least one person associated with the first animal.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first animal is at least one selected from a group consisting of a cat and a dog.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one other attribute includes at least one from a group consisting of a behavioral characteristic, lost and found, illness, and location respectively associated with at least one of the plurality of animals; and further comprising: updating, by the at least one processor, at least some electronic animal information included in the at least one database with an attribute respectively associated with at least one of a plurality of respective animals associated with the received information.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the updated electronic animal information represents that the at least one animal is missing or found.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting, by the at least one processor, information associated with the correlating to the first wireless computing device.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, by the at least one processor, information sufficient to provide, a map that includes a hypothetical pathway of travel of the first animal, based on system managed variables.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the hypothetical pathway affects a selection of members to receive an alert.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising processing, by the at least one processor, to correlate the received information in relation to at least some electronic animal profile information; and determining, by the at least one processor and in accordance with the processing, that the response to the prompt represents the first animal.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the optimized dermatoglyphic attributes include repositioning of aspects of the animal, including nasal skin, for improved data gathering.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining at least the second and/or third wireless computing devices is made at least in part based on the at least one other attribute of the first animal.
 16. A system for associating users of a wireless device network in relation to a biometric specific to animal dermatoglyphics, the system comprising: non-transitory processor readable media; at least one processor operatively coupled to the processor readable media; wherein the processor readable media have instructions for causing the following steps to be performed by the at least one processor: accessing, by at least one processor, at least one database that includes member information representing each of a plurality of registered members, wherein at least one member respectively owns at least one animal; providing an application that is operable by way of at least one processor to enable each of a plurality of wireless computing devices operated by the respective members to at least capture information representing optimized dermatoglyphic attributes of an animal that makes physical contact with a component of the wireless computing device; receiving, by the at least one processor from a first wireless computing device configured by the application, information associated with a first member, including: i) data generated by the first device in relation to a plurality of dermatoglyphic attributes of a first animal and at least one other attribute of the first animal, including breed; ii) a time and a location associated with the first animal; and ii) a payment commitment at least in part representing an incentive for at least one other member to provide information specific to the first animal; processing, by the at least one processor, the received information to determine: i) a relevant location-based zone associated with the first animal; and ii) a second member, based at least in part on a location associated with a second member wireless device configured by the application, and a determined likelihood of the second member to actively assist in providing information specific to the first animal; transmitting, by the at least one processor to the second wireless computing device associated with the second member, a prompt associated with the first animal; receiving, by the at least one processor from the second wireless computing device, a response to the prompt that includes at least information representing the first animal; updating, by the at least one processor based at least in part on the response received from the second wireless computing device, a projected pathway of the first animal and determining a third member based at least in part on the updated projected pathway and a determined likelihood of the third member to assist with recovering the first animal; receiving, by the at least one processor from a third wireless computing device configured by the application, at least some image-related information representing at least one dermatoglyphic attribute of the first animal; correlating, by the at least one processor, the information received from the third computing device with the information received from the first computing device; and distributing a portion of the payment to the second member and a portion of the payment to the third member based at least on a result of the correlating.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the optimized dermatoglyphic attributes include repositioning of aspects of the animal, including nasal skin, for improved data gathering.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the step of determining at least the second and/or third wireless computing devices is made at least in part based on the at least one other attribute of the first animal.
 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one other attribute includes weight, size and/or age of the first animal.
 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the response from the second wireless device includes at least time information associated with information received in response to the prompt. 